Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings shares prostate cancer journey, advocates for screenings

Nancy AlvarezORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is opening up about his battle with prostate cancer, sharing his experience and encouraging men to prioritize regular screenings as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month begins.

Speaking with WESH 2 News in his first interview since undergoing surgery, Demings reflected on his diagnosis of stage one prostate cancer and the treatment that followed, which he says did not require chemotherapy or radiation.

“I chose the option of having my prostate removed, prostatectomy, and I felt like, given everything that the doctors had told me, that was the best option for me,” Demings said.

The mayor’s hospital stay was extended due to an adverse reaction to medication, but he credited his wife of 38 years, former Congresswoman Val Demings, for her unwavering support during his recovery.

“My wife became like my head nurse. She spent all seven nights in the hospital with me,” he said.

Demings, who has spent decades in law enforcement and public service, said his experiences helped him face the diagnosis with courage.

“I’ve been in shootings over the years. I’ve been in some terrible situations, and because of training — I guess, the training I’ve had, the life experiences I’ve had — it makes it less complicated for me. It helps to minimize the fear of the unknown and just kind of walk boldly and say, ‘This is where we’re headed,'” he said.

Less than a week after surgery, Demings attended an advisory board meeting on tourism tax dollars, despite not officially being back at work.

“I’m still kinda messed up on the inside, it’s going to take some time for me to heal on the inside, but I will not retreat from my obligation,” he said, later telling WESH 2 News, “Regardless of my health outcomes, this is where I was born and raised. This is my community.”

Demings also spoke about his decision to suspend his run for governor, a choice he said was made easier by his family.

“I chose a healing process. I chose living over everything else. I’ve had a wonderful career, and while I was prayerful about being governor, it was more important to be present for my family,” he said.

Now, Demings is using his platform to advocate for prostate cancer awareness and the importance of early detection.

“They say 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. With African-American males, it’s 1 in 4,” he said. “Go to the doctor, know your numbers, and then choose whatever. You know, if you’re not diagnosed, OK, that’s great. But if you are, you know that you can survive.”